Cunault Abbey Church

Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault, France

The Abbey of Cunault was founded in 847 by monks of Noirmoutiers (an island near Nantes) who had fled the Norman invasions. In 862 further incursions forced the Benedictine monks to flee to Tournus in Burgundy where they hid the relics of their patron Saint-Philibert. They returned during the 11th century and built a prosperous priory that remained under the control of Tournus.

The impressive Romanesque belfry, enlarged during the 15th century with a stone spire, is all that remains of the church built during the 11th century. The interior of the church is remarkable for the size and height of its 223 richly decorated capitals.

One of the lateral chapels contains the shrine of Saint-Maxenceul that was carved and painted during the 13th century. The four bells of the tower come from the cathedral of Constantine in Algeria.

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Address

Place Victor Dialand 3, Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault, France
See all sites in Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault

Details

Founded: 847
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Frankish kingdoms (France)

More Information

www.travelfranceonline.com

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

de LAMOTTE Yann (18 months ago)
Cette prieurale est tout simplement magnifique, avec une architecture grandiose, je suis toujours autant stupéfait par la magnificence de ce lieu. De plus la messe dominicale est en Grégorien pour ceux qui veulent un argument supplémentaire !
Arnaud Guillon (2 years ago)
Belle petite place. Prudence en période de chasse.
Patricia Mclaughlin (2 years ago)
Words or pictures could never capture the beauty of this church, the serenity experienced was incredible. Well worth a visit if passing by.
Florence Manasse (2 years ago)
Superbe bâtiment
Alan Pembshaw (3 years ago)
beautiful abbey church. Seldom visited by tourists but well worth it.
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